Connecticut DOT releases guidelines on red light, speed safety cameras for towns, cities

Red light and speed safety cameras are one step closer to appearing on Connecticut roads.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation began the new year releasing much anticipated guidelines for towns and cities that want to request the devices.

Red light and speed safety cameras were first made legal three months ago, but they haven’t been installed yet.  

These cameras capture the license plate, date, time and location of vehicles that are speeding by 10 mph or more, or that run a red light.

Factors include the local history of crashes and traffic stops, as well as the poverty rate.

For example, in order to install a camera at a stoplight, there must have been at least two crashes over the last three years caused by a driver running a red light.

Towns must also provide a written justification that placing a camera in school and pedestrian safety zones will tangibly improve safety.

Drivers will know where these cameras are. There must be two signs at a “reasonable distance in advance” of the cameras.

In addition, there cannot be more than two of these cameras in certain low-income areas.

The fines will cost you $50 for the first offense and $75 for any more – but won’t earn you points.